Openness, civility and humility: The World Cup that America got right
The 2026 World Cup in America has been a resounding success. This achievement stems from the nation's core values of openness and civility, proving that the tournament thrived because of these enduring American principles rather than in spite of the country's current political leadership.
The tournament succeeded not in spite of its principal host, but because of American values its current ruling cabal has forgotten.
England fans at a watch party in Brooklyn, New York, reacting as their team scored a goal in the World Cup quarter-final match between England and Norway on July 11.
PHOTO: AFP
Bhavan Jaipragas
Published
Somewhere between six and eight hours of playing time remain in this FIFA World Cup, before a champion is crowned on July 20, Singapore time – more, if it comes down to penalties. It is not too soon, then, to pass judgment on the 39-day spectacle in Mexico, Canada and principal host the United States.
It is an ungenerous, mealy-mouthed suggestion – advanced by some commentators – that the tournament has succeeded in spite of America, which staged the lion’s share of the 104 games, including every match from the quarter-finals onwards.
source: The Straits Times https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/a-world-cup-that-summoned-americas-better-angels?ref=top-stories
